http://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_5243.jpg15112267Paisleyhttp://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngPaisley2013-09-02 11:28:292013-09-02 11:43:14New hub for local firms is open for Renfrewshire business

Count down to the Paisley 10K underway. Are you registered?

There isn’t long to go until competitive racers and fun runners will take their place at the start line of the Scottish West 10k Championship and Fun Run in Paisley.

Renfrewshire Council is reminding runners they need to be registered ahead of the road race, which takes place on Sunday 25 August at 10am if they’re hoping to secure a personal best.

Online registration closes at noon on Friday 23 August for what is expected to be the biggest ever staging of the event. Paper registrations however need to be received by Monday 19 August to avoid disappointment. Late applications or entries on the day will not be accepted.

Last year over 1,400 people took part in the event, ranging from serious athletes to fun runners raising cash for charity.

Councillor Jim Harte, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Sport, Leisure and Culture Policy Board said, “Don’t let months or miles of training go to waste because you miss the registration cut-off.

“Paisley is one of three British Heart Foundation ‘Heart Towns’ in Scotland. Your participation in the Scottish West 10k Championship and Fun Run has the potential to benefit the charity twice. Not only will you be helping to raise vital funds, by getting physically active you are also reducing your risk of getting cardiovascular disease.

“Whether it’s lining up on the start line or cheering from the sidelines on the 25th, we all benefit from getting outdoors and getting active”.

This year the race is sponsored by Renfrewshire’s Fairtrade Flagship employer MEPC Hillington Park. Demonstrating their commitment to the cause, Marketing & Customer Manager, Alison Clark, and Leasing Manager, Roddy Proudfoot, have registered and will be among those lining up at the start of the 10k.

Paisley’s 10k is noted for being flat and fast, with a course that takes competitors through the historic town centre, along Paisley canal and Kilmacolm cycle track.

http://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KE-10K-getting-closer-e1376488609427.jpg6831024Paisleyhttp://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngPaisley2013-08-14 14:57:502013-08-14 14:57:50Count down to the Paisley 10K underway. Are you registered?

Universal Credit is “soul-destroying”

Renfrewshire Council’s Leader has called on the UK Government to wise up and open up after a leaked report revealed staff delivering its flagship benefit change branded the programme “soul-destroying” and “unbelievably frustrating”.

Recent media reports about Universal Credit findings, quote one member of staff as saying: “This is the third review in 16 months. No rollout plans, no confidence in going forward and stakeholders losing confidence in our ability to deliver”.

Councillor Mark Macmillan has branded the findings “shocking” and is calling on the UK Government to share the details of its plan to replace six benefits with Universal Credit across the UK.

Councillor Macmillan said: “These shocking findings prove what we have suspected all along – that Universal Credit is in chaos. We’ve now heard directly from people at the heart of this project that there’s secrecy, dishonesty, no rollout plan, and no confidence. Even the people working on the programme don’t know anything about future developments. That’s nowhere near acceptable.”

Universal Credit will replace child tax credits, working tax credits, income-based job seekers allowance, housing benefit, income support and income based employment support allowance.

Councillor Macmillan added: “The UK Government should wise up, open up and share all details of planned roll out of Universal Credit. They have a duty to reassure everyone receiving the six benefits that will be replaced by Universal Credit. Families in Renfrewshire will want to know exactly when and how they will be affected.

“The Government is insisting that everyone apply for this benefit online, despite many people not having an internet connection or a PC. They also want those receiving the new benefit to transfer their housing benefit to their landlord themselves, which is ludicrous considering there are many vulnerable residents who need support to manage their finances.

“The public deserve to know more about Universal Credit now so they can start to prepare for the major changes it will bring.”

Thirteen UK council areas were part of the original Universal Credit pilot that started in September 2012 and a recent announcement confirmed that six more places will offer the benefit from October 2013.